our great sporting moments remembered - Melbourne Cricket Club

FOOTY’S HALL OFFAME FINDS ITSRIGHTFUL HOMEAs the AFL prepares to celebratethe game’s 150th anniversary inearly-August, the finishingtouches are being applied to theAustralian Football Hall of Fame(AFHOF) in the MCG’s National SportsMuseum (NSM).The AFHOF was established in 1996to recognise and enshrine those whohave made a significant contribution tothe game since its inception in 1858.Football greats John Nicholls (right) and Bob Skilton were on hand to break through to thebig space set aside for the Australian Football Hall of Fame opening at the NSM in August.Now, footy fans will be able to payhomage to these greats at a new,permanent addition to the “Australia’sGame” exhibition in the NSM. Anoutstanding array of material fromAFHOF Legends and those inducted in2008 will be on display.Some of the more notable itemsinclude the guernsey worn by DarrelBaldock during St Kilda’s 1966 premiership,a certificate presented to HaydnBunton Snr in 1931 recognising the firstof his three Brownlow Medals, JohnColeman’s Essendon training bag andguernseys worn by Ron Barassi, KevinBartlett, Leigh Matthews and TedWhitten.There will also be artefacts from RoyCazaly, Gordon Coventry, Jack Dyer,Graham Farmer, Peter Hudson, BillHutchison, Jock McHale, John Nicholls,Bob Pratt, Dick Reynolds, BarrieRobran, Bob Skilton, Norm Smith, IanStewart and more. Plus, you’ll see thematch ball used by Alex Jesaulenko tokick his 100th goal in 1970.“The Australian Football Hall ofFame has found a new, natural home atthe National Sports Museum inside theMCG, the spiritual home of Australianfootball,” said Gerry Kerlin, MelbourneCricket Club museums general manager.“The exhibition will give due reverenceto those who have contributed to thehistory of Australia’s only indigenousgame.”The Australian Football Hall of Famehonours players, coaches, umpires,administrators and media representativeswho have been instrumental in changingthe game significantly for the better.An individual’s outstanding serviceand overall contribution to the game ofAustralian football is considered whendetermining eligibility, and induction isdeemed to be the game’s highest honour.Located adjacent to the existingAustralia’s Game exhibition devoted toour favourite winter code, the AFHOFwill open to the public on TuesdayAugust 5.BALLBOUNCEDFORDEBATEThe publication of The AustralianGame of Football to mark the150th anniversary of the game welove certainly sparked somecontroversy.Gillian Hibbins, a diligentresearcher who has been an MCCLibrary “client” for nearly 30 yearsand is now a volunteer there,contributed an erudite piece aboutthe origins of the game and theevolution of its rules.Inter alia, Gillian concluded thatTom Wills, so long regarded as theman who inspired and helpeddevelop football in the early days,wanted to introduce the rules fromhis schooldays at Rugby in England.However, though a major figure atthe time, perhaps Wills wasn’t asinfluential as first thought.Cambridge-educated WilliamHammersley, journalist JamesThompson and publican Jerry Bryantare some of the others whose earlyinfluence on the game deservesrecognition, she claims.Enter The Age’s Martin Flanagan,a fan of Wills, the son of a squatterwho grew up with Aborigines inwestern Victoria and, espousedFlanagan, was undoubtedlyinfluenced by the game they playedwith a possum-skin football.The newspaper was soon alivewith claim and counter claim.MCC librarian David Studham putsome perspective on the debate.“Sports history is a relatively newdiscipline and as we drill down onthe research material and morebecomes available it’s inevitablethatsomemythsandlegendswill becastaside.”Historylives, asthey say.JULY 2008 MCC NEWS5

CLUB NEWSA GREAT STADIUM’SCHANGING LANDSCAPEWith just two magnificentgrandstands completing theMCG canvas after the recentredevelopment project, it is timely torecord the grandstands of an earlier era,when new projects commenced relativelyfrequently as public demand warranted.Our 1925 aerial shot of the groundshows (clockwise from lower right)the much-loved Grey Smith Stand(1906-66) next to the second Pavilion(1881-1927), which offered memberssuperb behind-the-wicket views. Rooftopcapacity was 250.Further around is the 1886 Grandstand– part members, part public – that servedso well until 1954 when it made way forthe Northern (later Olympic) Stand. Theawnings were erected as sun screensduring the cricket season.There’s a raised bank of plinth seatingto the left of the scoreboard, which waserected in 1908. The board was a greatsurvivor, moving first in 1936 to makeway for the Southern Stand and to sitatop the open concrete stand (1927-66)at the western end of the ground.From 1967 it adorned the Western(later Ponsford) Stand until it wasrelocated to Manuka Oval, Canberra,when the first electronic scoreboard wasinstalled in 1982.There was a bar beneath the scoreboardand perhaps that was also thefunction of the small building between itand the Harrison Stand (1908), but we’re2008 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAYHONOURSMCC MEMBERS HONOURED ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||AO - General DivisionMYER, Martyn KennethAM - General DivisionCLEARY, Raymond LeslieCORRIGAN, Peter RussellDAWSON, John KelvinDOWNEY, Esmond JosephGARDNER, Paul AlbertGRIFFIN, Peter JohnHANSKY, JackMCGALLIARD, Andrew Johnunsure. The Harrison Stand was built forthe 50th anniversary of football andfeatured large steps that doubled as seats.To its right is a substantial refreshmentbooth and completing the picture is asmall section of the 1911 Wardill Stand,which was about twice the length of theHarrison Stand.You’ll note that Brunton Avenue isnowhere to be seen (it appeared duringWorld War II) and the practice wickets,in the south-east corner, were latermoved to the south-west.The match in progress is the SecondTest, Australia v England, January 1-8,MCKENZIE, Cathryn RosemaryO’BRYAN, Norman JohnTRONSON, Richard KinsleyWRIGHT, Andrew StuartOAM - General DivisionBROWN, Kevan LeslieCLARK, Trevor MortonGIDDY, Sidney DennisJARVIS, Kenneth EdwardTHOMAS, Robert John SheddonWELLS, Lawrence David1925, which attracted a record aggregatecrowd of 236,258.“Johnny Won’t Hit Today” Douglas isbowling to another Johnny, Australia’sTaylor, who made 72. His battingpartner, the redoubtable Ponsford,upstaged him with 132, becoming thefirst batsman to score a century in eachof his first two Tests.TOO MANY ON THE MATThe club’s Discipline Sub-committeehas been disappointingly busy over thepast 12 months. Thirty-six memberswere charged with misconduct duringthat period.In one case before the committee,no action was taken. In another, amember was reprimanded but theremaining 34 received suspensionsranging from three months to fiveyears, with five expelled from the club.Far too many of the penaltiesconcerned the behaviour of guests, forwhom the introducing member isresponsible, and members are againreminded that guests should be fullyaware of club rules regardingbehaviour in the Reserve.Those people serving lengthysuspensions will find reinstatement anexpensive proposition. Subs for eachyear of suspension must be paid at thecurrent rate of renewal.6 MCC NEWSJULY 2008

CLUB NEWSHE’S ALWAYS BEENA LEGENDDonald Cordner has been anintegral part of MCG life formore than half a century,a legend by any measure, and nowit’s official.When Donald was elevated toLegend status at the MelbourneFootball Club’s 150th anniversarydinner at Crown in June, thecomparison with an earlier honourcould not have been more stark.We refer to Donald’s BrownlowMedal, won in the first week ofSeptember 1946, but not presenteduntil March the following year.The champion Demon ruckmanrecalls being told by Percy Beames ofThe Age that he’d won the medal and apiece appeared in the sports pages nextday. No televised count, no media pack,no black ties or glamorous blondes.As for the presentation, that wasmade at Harrison House in SpringStreet shortly before the start of the1947 season. Donald received a letterabout 10 days before the VFL’smonthly meeting. Could he pleaseattend promptly at 8pm.Still single although engaged toMoyle, Doctor Don was practising atDiamond Creek so to fit in eveningsurgery and make it to town by eighto’clock was quite an effort, but hearrived on time to spend half an hourcooling his heels in an anteroom.Finally he was summoned, entering aroom full of 24 VFL delegatesattending a meeting chaired by DrWilliam McClelland who was alsopresident of the MCC at the time.“Player Cordner, you have beenadjudged fairest and best for season1946,” said the chairman.“Congratulations. Here’s your citationand your Brownlow Medal.”“Thank you, sir. I’m very honouredand the citation will hang beside mymedical degree in my surgery atDiamond Creek,” responded Donald.“Long may your interest in our gamecontinue, Dr Cordner.Good night.” And that was it. No redcarpet, no media, no Moyle in sight,although once again the press gave it amodest run next morning.Fifty-one years on, Donald was verychuffed to have been honoured by theMFC at what he described as a verypleasant and dignified affair.He joined some big names at the topof the Demon tree – Norm Smith, TigerRidley and Ron Barassi are amongfootball’s elite.The cricket world lost twoornaments of the game with thepassing of Bill Brown and NormO’Neill recently.Brown was one of the most reveredfigures in Australian cricket during hislater years, a status that he bore with thesame composure, dignity and capacity forself-effacement that characterised hisplaying days, which he ended as one ofhis country’s most accomplished andbest-performed opening batsmen.An elegant right-hander with a superbdefensive technique, Brown possessed thegift of timing and placement of the finestbatsmen, appearing to stroke the ballthrough the field with little effort. Hissignature shot was the leg glance, astroke in which he was acknowledged asthe leading exponent of his era.An unhurried approach, even whenBROWN, O’NEILLLEAVE THE CREASEseemingly in complete command of thebowling, caused Ray Robinson to recordthat Brown was “the most serenebatsman I ever saw play for Australia.”He ended his Test career as a memberof Don Bradman’s 1948 “Invincibles”,having played 22 Tests during a careerinterrupted by the Second World War.He scored 1592 runs at 46.82, withfour centuries, while in all first-classmatches he made 13,838 runs at 51.44,with 39 centuries. Before his passing inMarch aged 95, he was Australia’s oldestTest representative.Despite the burden of being anointed asthe next Bradman by the press from earlyin his career, Norm O’Neill became a veryfine Test batsman in his own right. He wasan integral member of the strong battingline up that underpinned the successfulAustralian sides led by Richie Benaudduring the late 1950s and early 1960s.Thick-set and with strong forearms,O’Neill drove with awesome power,most memorably off the back foot whenhe drew himself to his full height andcrashed the ball back past the bowlerwith the straightest of bats.Perhaps his finest innings was a stirring181 in the unforgettable tied matchagainst the West Indies at Brisbane in1960/61. A troublesome knee injuryforced his retirement from Test cricket in1965, by which time he had made 2779runs at 45.55 in his 42 Tests, includingsix centuries.In all first-class cricket, his tally stood at13,859 runs at 50.95, with 45 hundreds.He later became a recognisable voice onABC Radio’s coverage of cricket forseveral seasons before a long battle withlung cancer claimed him in March at 71.8 MCC NEWSJULY 2008

A GRADE RESULT FOR CATEGORY CThe club’s decision to relaxregulations at AFL fixtures ratedas Category C matches isproving popular. Witness theextraordinary situation in the Reservefor the Western Bulldogs-Brisbanematch on Saturday afternoon, June 14(see president’s report P3).Designated as a Category C matchat the beginning of the season, anattendance of 2350 was forecast forthe Reserve and 24,000 overall, butthe game attracted 5376 and 39,320respectively.At Category C fixtures, Restrictedmembers may obtain up to two LongRoom passes when normally they’renot eligible for any. Full members canobtain two passes (normally one) andboth categories of membership canapply for up to four Balcony passesfor guests.The upshot on June 14 was thatmembers and guests took advantage ofmore liberal access to the club’s finefacilities and the Long Room carveryexperienced its second busiest day of theseason to that point.The Saturday afternoon match alsofilled the Members Dining Room andthe Committee Room, a remarkablesituation given the clubs’ support baseamong MCC members is two per cent(Bulldogs) and 1.8 per cent (Brisbane).On the following day, the Category BCollingwood-Carlton match drew80,000-plus and attendance in theReserve was up 8000 on the Bulldogs’home game, but there were 55 fewer“covers” in the carvery.The figures surprised everybody,especially because at the Collingwoodgame 75 per cent of members werebarracking for one team or the otherversus only 35 per cent in the case of theBulldogs and the Lions.“It tells us that Category C gamescan be very attractive to membersregardless of their allegiance, becausethey can entertain more guests in theinner sanctum,” says club managerMark Anderson.“When you consider thatCollingwood supporters account for 11per cent of MCC members and Carltonnine per cent, you can only concludethat the Bulldogs game was a ringingendorsement for the facilities we offerour members.“As an aside, the match obviouslywas also appealing to the 341Melbourne-supporting memberswho attended the Reserve when theDemons were doing battle at TelstraDome that day.”2008 HIGHEST AFL ATTENDANCES(As at end of Round 14) ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||88,999 Coll v Ess April 2580,310 Coll v Carl June 1578,206 Coll v Geel May 2377,873 Carl v Coll April 1376,048 Haw v Coll May 373,503 Rich v Carl June 2872,552 Carl v Rich March 2070,802 Rich v Coll April 6Note: No Long Room or Balcony passesare issued for Category A matches buttwo visitor tickets may be purchased.For Category B games, up to four visitorticket are available. Full members canobtain either one Long Room pass ortwo Balcony passes for guests whileRestricted members are entitled to twoBalcony passes.NEW BOARD FOR OUR BESTHonorary Life Membership (HLM) ofthe MCC is a rare honour. Only 81have been conferred since 1861 and they’vebeen harder to come by in recent times,with only 22 awarded since the war.In the early days, HLMs were bestowedon various people such as visitinginternational amateur cricketers, with theemphasis on amateur. Royalty was wellserved, too.But within the club, some queries wereraised about those appearing on thehonour board in the old Pavilion, so itwas time to do some cross checking.In 2003, then volunteer, now assistantlibrarian, Trevor Ruddell took upthe challenge, beavering awayresearching newspaper archives and examining MCC minutes and annual reportson microfilm.The upshot was a heap of anomalies and a need for a new honour board, whichnow hangs resplendent in the gallery leading to the Committee Room on Level 2.Footy fans enjoy a rare opportunity to havea post-match kick on the MCG turf after theMelbourne v Fremantle match on May 4.JULY 2008 MCC NEWS9

CLUB NEWSGIFFEN, HEALYENTER HALL OF FAMEThe Australian Cricket Hall of Fame welcomed another pair of outstanding cricketerswhen George Giffen and Ian Healy were inducted in 2008.GEORGEGIFFENGeorge Giffen’s phenomenal achievements often sawhim referred to as Australia’s W.G. Grace. Anall-rounder in the purest use of the term, he was the firstplayer in Test history to complete the double of 1000runs and 100 wickets.His soundly based batting, which featured powerfuldriving, never saw him listed below number six in theorder, while the infinite variety of his immaculatelycontrolled off-breaks formed an important componentof the attack.His exceptional stamina was the product of a Spartantraining regime, making him appear absolutely tireless oneven the most enervating day of an Australian summer.To quote Johnnie Moyes: “He was crafty, shrewd,persistent, and a superb stayer.”First noticed at 15 when invited to bowl in the nets toGrace’s visiting English team in 1874, Giffen played hisfirst Test in 1881/82 and a few months later made thefirst of his five tours of England (1882, 1884, 1886, 1893and 1896), achieving the double of 1000 runs and 100wickets on each of the last three.The pace dominance of Fred Spofforth, George Palmerand Tom Garrett initially limited Giffen’s bowlingopportunities and he gathered only 29 wickets in his first17 Tests. After their departure, however, he came intohis own to add a further 74 in the remaining 14 of hiscareer and finish with 103 at 27.09.Batting at number three for the majority of his 31Tests, Giffen made 1238 runs at 23.35, an excellentreturn on the uncovered wickets of his day. He was at hismost productive in the 1894/95 Ashes series, taking 34wickets at 24.12 and scoring 475 runs at 52.77, whichincluded a superb 161 at the SCG in the opening match.Some of Giffen’s performances for South Australia defybelief. For example, he combined a double century with12 or more wickets in a match against Victoria twice in acalendar year. Having made 237 and taken 5/89 and7/103 at the MCG in January 1891, he surpassed thatwith 271 and figures of 9/96 and 7/70 at the AdelaideOval the following November.No player anywhere in the world has ever approachedsuch feats, while his 11,758 runs at 29.54 and 1022wickets at 21.31 make him the only Australian to exceedthe 10,000 runs/1000 wickets double in first-class cricketfor state and country.IANHEALYAt the time of his retirement in 1999, Ian Healy wasthe most successful wicketkeeper in Test history,leaving other greats such as Rod Marsh, Alan Knott,Godfrey Evans and Wally Grout in his wake.Excellent footwork and extremely safe hands, allied toa mental toughness that yielded nothing to theopposition, underpinned his success. He was equally athome in taking pace and spin, a particular highlight beinghis outstanding partnership with Shane Warne.Moreover, he was a capable batsman, generally atnumber seven, who rarely failed to play a significantinnings when runs were most needed, this capacityunderlined by the fact that all of his four first-classhundreds were made in Tests.Healy was unexpectedly chosen as Australia’s onlykeeper for the 1988/89 tour of Pakistan after only sixappearances for Queensland.Although struggling at first, he nevertheless earned therespect of his peers for his work ethic, courage, teamfocus and the thoroughness of his preparation for amatch.Thereafter, he made few mistakes and became integralto an era of Australian dominance on the internationalstage, missing only one Test, through injury, in a 10-yearcareer. His flawless keeping to the spin of Warne and TimMay against England in 1993, which netted him 26victims, saw Wisden name Healy as one of its fiveCricketers of the Year.On his next tour there, in 1997, he dismissed 27 batsmen,only one short of the overall Test record set by Rod Marshin 1982/83. Two years later, he overtook Marsh’sAustralian and world record tally of 355 dismissals.Healy made his maiden hundred in England in 1993,an unbeaten 102 at Manchester.Among his many other useful Test innings were acareer-highest 161 not out against the West Indies atBrisbane in 1996/97 and 134 against England in 1998/99,also on his home turf at the Gabba, the latter helping toincrease Australia’s total from 5/178 to 485 all out.In 119 Tests Healy dismissed 395 batsmen (366 caughtand 29 stumped) and scored 4356 runs at 27.39. In onedayinternationals he dismissed 233 batsmen (194 caughtand 39 stumped) and made 1764 runs at 21.00, while inall first-class cricket his tallies were 767 dismissals (698caught and 69 stumped) and 8341 runs at 30.22.10 MCC NEWSJULY 2008

NEW MUSEUM ISA WORK OF ARTYOUR GUIDE TOTHE NATIONALSPORTS MUSEUMAdmission PricesPublic MCC MembersNon-event day: Adults $15 $11: Concession $11 $11: Child (5-15) $8 $6: Family $45 $35Event day: Adults $7.50 $7.50: Concession $5.50 $5.50: Child (5-15) $4 $4: Family $22.50 $22.50Champion athlete and former Governor of Victoria John Landy cuts the ribbon to openthe National Sports Museum in March.Stunningly designed and utilising ablend of light, sound, colour andaction to brilliant effect, the newNational Sports Museum at the MCG isa masterpiece.It opened on March 12 with a galabash attended by more than 1000 guests,who enjoyed a cocktail party on the MCGarena before inspecting the new facility attheir leisure.Hosted by Eddie McGuire and a team ofsporting champions who have agreed to beambassadors for the museum (see right),the function was a fine introduction to aworld-class facility that will be a must-seeattraction for locals and tourists alike.Sporting images surround the visitor asthe escalator takes you to another worldbelow the seating terraces of the stadium.Jack Brabham’s famous Grand Prixwinning Repco BT19 of 1966 is an idealgreeting, representing both the breadth ofsporting coverage in the museum and thequality of its exhibits.Beyond Brabham’s car is a shrine toour sporting heroes, the Sport AustraliaHall of Fame exhibition, with each of its47 Legends and 500-plus inducteesappropriately honoured.Further down is the Backyard to BaggyGreen exhibition, a stroll through thejourney of cricketers around the world thatNational Sports MuseumAmbassadors Catherine Freeman Shane Warne Ron Barassi Shane Gould Liz Ellis James Hird Tony Charlton Collingwood Football Clubcelebrates the game’s elite in the AustralianCricket Hall of Fame.A fitting finale to the cricket display isthe Baggy Green Room, a quiet, reverentspace with a statue of the great Bradmansurrounded by a sea of caps from thosewho have represented their country. Thissection also links the NSM to the MCCMuseum.Visitors on guided tours have theirappetites whetted in The People’s Groundexhibition, a snapshot of people and eventsat the MCG since the 1850s and the factorsthat have influenced its development overthe years. Next is the Faster, Higher,Stronger Olympic exhibition whichfeatures the Ancient Games, Edwin Flack’sAccessThe National Sports Museum is open10am – 5pm on all non-event days (lastadmission 4pm).On major event days such as AFLfootball fixtures and internationalcricket, admission will be discounted forthose holding an event day ticket.A full schedule of MCG event daysand hours of operation for the NationalSports Museum is listed on the websiteat www.nsm.org.au. We suggest youallocate at least 1–2 hours to fullyexperience the museum.MCC MuseumThe MCC Museum will not beaccessible to National Sports Museumpatrons on MCG event days. However,MCC members and guests have free-ofchargeaccess to the MCC Museumfrom the Members Reserve entrance onevent days.1896 olive branches and medals, theStrickland Collection, a display case foreach of the Games, treasures from theBeaurepaire Collection and the torches.Then there are displays on boxing, theParalympics, rugby union and league,boxing, basketball and cycling before a lifesizerecreation of Jezza’s mark enticesvisitors into the vast space below devotedto Australian football, the Australia’sGame exhibition. Alongside are displays onsoccer, golf, tennis and netball. On thesame level are numerous interactivedevices, a big hit with the kids that invitesthem to climb walls, cycle fast, run, jump,spar, kick goals, lay handballs and runbatsmen out. The verdict? Fantastic!JULY 2008 MCC NEWS11

CLUB NEWSMANY TREASURES AWAITVISITORS TO THE NSMWhen the ABC’s Gerard Whateley was engaged to compere the club’s footy season launch luncheonin March, he was asked, inter alia, to mention the National Sports Museum’s recent opening in hisintroductory spiel. There was no specific brief to plug the NSM, but this thoroughly researched, gunbroadcaster astounded his audience with an erudite, emotive report on a visit to the new museum thatno advertising copywriter could hope to match.Gerard’s address is reproduced in the expectation that it might stir members to experience perhaps thefinest sports museum in the world, right here at the MCG.The MCG stands as a tonic to themodern obsession with the hereand-now.This is a place thatknows its history, surely as well as anysporting venue in the world.You’ll know this to be true when youtake a tour through the National SportsMuseum.Sport has an ever-growing capacity todisappoint. Or at least there is an intensefocus on the shortcomings. If you need areminder of why sport matters or whyyou love sport, take the time.Every corner heaves with treasure,trinkets encapsulating the mighty deedsof the past. Photos, words, uniforms,paraphernalia to draw images to themind of moments you’ve witnessed orread about or had recounted to you.There are the banner acts. EdwinFlack’s olive branches. The suits ofFreeman and Thorpe. The 1956 medalsof Betty Cuthbert.But your eye might just as easily becaught by the less grandiose. They’lltouch you. And you mightn’t be certainwhy. Chances are they’ll be different foreveryone.There’s John Konrads’ baggyswimming trunks worn in his 1500mgold medal swim at the Rome Olympics.You’ll look and wonder how on earththey stayed on.Beside them, from 32 years on, areDuncan Armstrong’s Speedos and you’llwonder how on earth he could even getthem on.There’s Shane Gould’s terry towellingrobe – her uniform from 1972 in12 MCC NEWS JULY 2008

Munich. She wore it everywhereincluding the medal ceremonies. It washer safety blanket, her good luck charm,so much so that she wore it when shegave birth to her children.Then there’s the quirky that elicit asmile. Tony Greig’s weather watchboard, the famous indicator of that mostmystical measurement – the PlayerComfort Index.There’s Dennis Lillee’s aluminium bat.Greg Norman’s wooden woods. JackBrabham’s championship-winningRepco car.And then there’s Jimmy Caruthers’1952 Bantamweight Championship belt.Beyond all else this is the item that mostaffected me. I’ve pondered why this wasso. I’ll confess to not being overlyfamiliar with the Caruthers story and Ihave little affection for boxing.But what you might recognise in thisglass case is purity.Whatever Caruthers sacrificed orovercame to achieve his ambitions,whatever commitment and obsession ittook, it is represented by this slightlyfaded, mildly tarnished belt.When he buckled it around his waistafter knocking out his South Africanopponent Vic Toweel, it identified himas the world’s best. To be sure, it wasabout the sport and not the spoils.AFL is well catered for. Plaster duckfootballers – the small, medium andlarge that might’ve hung over themantelpiece. The jumpers of the extinct– University, South Melbourne, Fitzroyand the Brisbane Bears, and one of onlytwo prototype guernseys made for thenever-combined Fitzroy Bulldogs.Richmond Super Team toilet paper –still relevant today. Carji Greeves’Brownlow. Kevin Murray’s back brace.Bruce Doull’s headband. WarwickCapper’s boots – and they’ll make youlaugh out loud.There are hours to be lost in this placeand homage to be paid.And if this is the temple down theroad then this is its most sacred corner.Corner isn’t quite right. It is the rotundsanctuary. A place that doesn’t demandsilence, so much as inspire it.As if an ancient tribe was beinghonoured through its ceremonialheaddress, the Baggy Green exhibit isgently lit to enhance the mystique thatstarches the air.Don Tallon’s moth-eaten cap. Thepristine felt of Hugh Thurlow’s cap,which he sported in just the one Test.Woodfull, Border, Marsh and Benaud.And the most revered of all – Bradman’sfrom 1948.My wish is that every youngsportsman or woman would come hereat the beginning of his or her career. Tounderstand what they are entering intoand what they could be a part of.To recognise it’s not about the richesof the Indian Premier League or theprivilege of fame athletic ability nowgrants. It’s about the sport. Thecovenant between an audience and acompetitor, the shared dream of anation in the many games it plays.The National Sports Museum is a truecredit to all who contributed to itsestablishment. I heartily commend it toyou and offer my congratulations to theMelbourne Cricket Club.The highest compliment I can offer isthis: It truly belongs at the MCG.JULY 2008MCC NEWS 13

CLUB NEWSIT’S AN ACTION-PACKEDEXPERIENCEOne of the most appealing features of the NationalSports Museum is the use of sound and action footageto bring various displays to life.On opening day, as one of the Legends of the Sport AustraliaHall of Fame, Betty Cuthbert was able to see footage of herselfhurtling down the track to win gold at the Games in 1956.A few metres away, there was a priceless cache of her medalsand equipment on display in the Olympic exhibition. Bettythought the new museum was “just wonderful”, a couple ofwords that also describe our Golden Girl’s achievements andher ability to battle on despite long-term disability.In the huge football exhibition, Australia’s Game, championEssendon ruckman Simon Madden saw himself tapping the ballperfectly in the 1984 Grand Final.And Ron Barassi was chuckling as he watched an old World ofSport clip of the handball competition, where his effort with theleft hand failed to even hit the board, let alone the bull’s-eye!Around the corner, guests were listening to early footballbroadcasts at the push of a button, a simple device but illustrativeof the impact modern technology can have in today’s museums.The message is that the NSM is a non-stop entertainmentexperience, as reverent or as racy as you want it to be, full ofpriceless material but also full of fun.We suggest you plan a visit soon.A GENEROUSGESTURECommissioned by David andDiana Jones and generouslydonated by them to the club,Alex Zubryn’s painting of the newMCG captures what the ground is allabout – providing the finest facilitiesfor people to watch sport.The work is large (3.5m x 2.5m)and commanding, drawing the viewerwith a sense of fun as Great SouthernStand terrace patrons watch thecricket and take in the new grandstandbeyond. The painting is hangingprominently near the lifts on Level 3.The function to unveil the paintingwas an opportune occasion to presentformer president David with anembossed photo album featuring imagesfrom his time at the helm and theredevelopment work under his watch.FREEMAN STORYFEATUREDPerhaps our most charismatic femaleathlete for decades and a NationalSports Museum ambassador,Catherine Freeman is well representedat the MCG.On display in the Olympic exhibitionuntil September 30 is the Swift SuitCatherine wore winning the 400m atSydney, while a temporary exhibitiontraces her life from school days.The Freeman story is one of triumphover adversity, a journey from outbackQueensland to international stardom, butit’s the next phase of her life that Catherineis now keen to promote.She has established the CatherineFreeman Foundation with a charter to“create pathways to a brighter future”,specifically through fostering thedevelopment of indigenous athletes andstarting with the kids on Palm Island, towhich her mother’s family is closelyconnected.The Freeman display includes somemarvellous photographs and objects froma stellar career. There’s the outfit shewore when lighting the flame at Sydney,the Edwin Flack Award for services toNSM guides John Kerley (right) and 50-yearmember Bruce Gregory admire CatherineFreeman’s Swift Suit, on display in theOlympic exhibition.athletics, childhood trophies and even thekey to the City of Bundaberg! It’s wellworth a look.14 MCC NEWSJULY 2008

MCC SPREADS ITS WINGSThe MCC has furtherestablished its cricketlinks in Asia followinga successful tour of Japan andHong Kong in May.The primary aim of thetour was to promote anddevelop the game in Japanthrough coaching, education,promotion and the playing ofmatches. It was also awonderful opportunity tovisit our reciprocal club, theHong Kong Cricket Club,while in the region.Japan is an associatemember of the InternationalCricket Council (ICC) and issituated in the ICC East Asia-Pacific (EAP) region, alongwith Australia. The MCCFoundation’s charter includesa commitment to fosteringthe development of cricket athome and overseas and inrecent years has workedclosely with the ICC EAPregion to develop strategiesto enhance that commitment.They have includedcollections of used cricketequipment during the BoxingDay Test matches, hostingplayers from developingcricket nations and touring,such as the visit to Vanuatuin 2006 and now Japan.Led by MCC cricket andsporting sections coordinatorSteven McCooke, a 17-strongtouring party that included amix of current and formerMCC Premier cricketers andMCC members who playwith other Premier clubs,departed Australia on April30 and spent a week inOsaka and Fuji in Japanbefore visiting Hong Kongon the way home.The visit was also a timelyone, given the City of Osakawas celebrating the 30thanniversary of its sister cityrelationship with the City ofMelbourne.The mayor of Osaka, MrHiramitsu, and Osaka CityCouncil president MrAshitaka were generous hostsand the club returned thehospitality when the mayorvisited Melbournein July.The City of Osaka leant itsfull support to the JapanCricket Association inassisting the set up of twocoaching clinics run by theMCC touring party, plus anevening session and a fullday of cricket activitiesattended by 80-100 localcitizens, mainly teenage boysand girls.The MCC played twomatches against the Japanesenational team in Fuji,providing them with valuablematch practice in their leadup to an internationaltournament.According to McCooke, thetour was a raging success.“We achieved ourobjectives and forgedrelationships which were athree-way thing between theMCC, JCA and City ofOsaka that will be invaluablein the future.“The tour was a wonderfulexperience for our youngercricketers to be involved ingrowing the game in aforeign country.”And how good are thecricket skills of the locals?According to Steven, cricketat the junior level is still in“the embryonic stage ofdevelopment” but itsnational team was still goodenough to win one of the twomatches.The tour was rounded offwith a high-quality matchagainst Hong Kong CC, wonby the hosts in the final over.Their hospitality lived upto its legendary first-classstatus!NEW COACH A TOP APPOINTMENTThe MCC has appointed formerAustralian and Queenslandbowler Adam Dale as captaincoachfor the next two years.Adam played two Tests for Australiain 1998/99 and 32 one-day internationals,while also compiling five SheffieldShield/Pura Cup victories with Queenslandafter moving from Victoria early inhis career.Since retiring from first-class cricket,Adam returned to Victoria after oneseason as coach of Queensland’sWynnum Manly Cricket Club (2002/03).He then forged a successful playing andleadership record at Bundoora OldParadians in the Victorian Sub-DistrictCricket Association.“Adam brings many skills to the club,including his ability as a bowler and aproven on-field leader of people,” saidMCC cricket chairman Bob Lloyd. “Weare confident he will complement thecurrent group of talented players at theclub as we strive for the ultimate goal ofa First XI premiership.”The First XI will be looking to atonefor last season’s spectacular finalsfadeout whenthe PremierCricket seasoncommences onOctober 4. Theclub will need tocover the loss ofits wicketkeeperPeter Nevill,who has accepteda two-yearcontract withNew SouthWales.JULY 2008 MCC NEWS15

CLUB NEWSHARMAN CALLED UPTO THE BIG TIMEYou heard it here first, folks. As we predicted in our last time.” Harman is the 26th Australian to have made it onto anedition in March, MCC Baseball Section’s Brad Harman active major league roster, and the second graduate of thehad his first taste of the US Major League when he made his Australian Academy program established in 2001 to groom thedebut in late-April.country’s top baseball prospects.The 22-year-old infielder was called up to Philadelphia’s After debuting as a pinch hitter25-man roster to replace the injured Jimmy Rollins. From April on April 22, Harman celebrated22 to May 8, he played six games against the San Francisco Anzac Day in style againstGiants, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates andPittsburgh.Colorado Rockies, before returning to the Double-A League He landed a two-base hit toteam Reading on May 10.left-centre field that earntBrad was as surprised as anybody to get the call up.an RBI.He had finished an afternoon game against the Norwich He was alsoDefenders in Connecticut when he found out he was going to instrumental in thethe majors.Phillies’ 6-5 win. NowFrom there, it was a flight to Philadelphia and an impressive he must wait untilfirst walk up to Citizens Bank Park.another opportunity“I walked up to the stadium to have a look at the field,” Brad presents itself to grab ittold a US baseball website before his debut. “It was an exciting with both hands.JUNIOR BASEBALLERS STAROn the verge of celebrating its 120th anniversary, the MCCBaseball Section took out the Under 16 StateChampionship in March.Boasting four Victorian players and one Victorian Provincialplayer, the young Demons went through the season undefeatedand defeated Waverley 4-3 at Cheltenham to become Statechampions. It is arguably the best junior team in the club’s119-year history.The win – only the fourth state championship the team’shistory – saw coach Greg Hondromatidis become MCC’smost successful junior baseball coach and the first to win twoState championships.Many of the boys he coached to an Under 14 StateChampionship two years ago are now under 16 champions.Starting pitcher Campbell Wiggins was named most valuableplayer of the state final.During the 2007/08 season, four of MCC’s under 16 playerswere selected to play for Victoria – Wiggins, Tristan Field, AlexHondromatidis and Justin Gourlay. A fifth player, Brad Dicker,was selected for the Victorian Provincial team and also hit thewinning runs for MCC in the grand final, with a double thatbrought in three runners before stealing home himself.There’s no doubt the MCC’s junior baseballers are anexciting bunch and we’ll be hearing a lot about them in theyears ahead.MCC treasurer David Crawford (left) was called on forpresentation duties at the Bowls Section’s annual dinner onMay 8. The Most Improved Player award went to Ian Storey,who played in the premiership side in Division 2. Ian is the sonof the former chairman Rob Storey.16 MCC NEWSJULY 2008

MEMBERS HAVEA BALL AT CLUBFUNCTIONSThe cooler months haven’tdampened the sprit of ourmembers, with a busy calendarof social events and functions for allto enjoy.It seems a long time ago, but onMarch 19 almost 350 members andguests attended the MCG Footy SeasonLaunch Luncheon in the MembersDining Room. ABC commentator andTV personality Gerard Whateley set thescene for the season ahead and gave awarm endorsement of the NationalSports Museum (see pages 12-13).Following what, in hindsight, was anoptimistic interview with Melbourne’sgeneral manager football operationsChris Connolly about the Demons’chances, a panel of retired footy stars –Nathan Buckley, Luke Darcy and BrianTaylor – discussed the big issues andmade their predictions for the season.The inaugural Young Members AnzacEve Ball was held in the MembersDining Room on Thursday April 24.This was the first time the club hadhosted a ball for young members agedbetween 18 and 40, and it proved to bea huge success with nearly 500 membersand guests in attendance.Hosted by MCC committeemanWill Fowles, the crowd was addressedby RSL appeals director Peter SmithOAM who gave a stirring addresshighlighting the incredible sacrificesAustralian soldiers have made in thepast, paying special tribute to the 90thanniversary of Australia’s victory atVillers-Bretonneux.Former Collingwood captain andcoach Tony Shaw also spoke of thesignificance of Anzac Day and hisspecial involvement in the traditionalAnzac Day match, speaking of howpowerful the day is for the players andcoaches of both clubs.Then it was time to hit the dancefloor. A great night was had by all andno doubt the function will become apermanent fixture on the MCC socialcalendar.The inaugural MFC/MCC MembersGame Day Luncheon was held prior tothe Melbourne-Hawthorn match onMay 25. A full house of 180 membersand guests enjoyed a pleasant pre-matchfunction in the Harrison Room andheard from former champion RobertFlower, Chris Connolly and retiringskipper David Neitz.As we went to print, two new clubevents were being held. A “Lunch with aLegend” saw 180 guests hear fromformer Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy inthe Long Room on July 1, whileOlympic gold medalists Russell Mark,Claire Mitchell-Taverner and MikeMcKay headlined a star-studdedOlympics Luncheon in the MembersDining Room on July 8.JULY 2008 MCC NEWS 17 19

FUNCTION NEWSFUNCTIONS CALENDARDAY DATE FUNCTION VENUEWednesday Aug 6 MCC Annual General Meeting Members Dining RoomWednesday Aug 27 The Bradman Luncheon Members Dining RoomTuesday Sep 2 New Member Induction Evening Members Dining RoomMonday Sep 22 Brownlow Dinner with the Coodabeens Members Dining RoomFriday Sep 26 Members’ Dining – Grand Final Eve Members Dining RoomTuesday Nov 18 Sporting Sections Annual Dinner Members Dining RoomMonday Nov 24 Members’ Golf Day Yarra Yarra Golf ClubThursday Nov 27 Annual 50-Year Members Luncheon Members Dining RoomFriday Nov 28 Annual 50-Year Members Luncheon Members Dining RoomThursday Dec 4 New 50-Year Members Luncheon Members Dining RoomFriday Dec 12 Members’ Dinner Members Dining RoomThursday Dec 25 Christmas Day Luncheon Members Dining RoomFriday Dec 26 Boxing Day Breakfast Members Dining RoomSaturday Dec 27 Women in Cricket Test Breakfast Members Dining RoomMonday Jan 26 Australia Day Luncheon Members Dining RoomANOTHER MCGCENTURY FOR THE DONThe Bradman Luncheon of 2008 onAugust 27 is of special significancebecause it celebrates the 100thanniversary of Sir Donald’s birth.The Members Dining Room will bepacked on the day (it’s already a sell-out),and similar functions will be stagedAustralia-wide in honour of this genius ofthe willow.The years since his last appearance in1949 have failed to unearth anyone whocould approach his mastery at the crease,and nobody has emulated his overallcontribution as player, selector, administratorand observer of the game he dominatedfor so long.Adam Gilchrist will speak, pianistsRebecca Chambers and Alan Kogosolskiand violinist Sally Cooper will entertain.Each has appeared at earlier luncheons.Granddaughter Greta will sing and herfather John will also be there.Soul Mystique will perform theirspellbinding quick-change act and TonyCharlton, master of ceremonies nonpareil,will bring the house to order and applythat marvellous polish he brings to anyfunction.No doubt Tony will have some Bradmanquotes and anecdotes to embellishproceedings, but we’ll pinch this one fromhim. It’s from The Don’s Sport AustraliaHall of Fame induction speech in 1985,and it’s worth framing.“When considering the stature of anathlete or for that matter any person, I setgreat store on certain qualities which Ibelieve to be essential in addition to skill.“They are that the person conducts hisor her life with dignity, with integrity, withcourage and perhaps most of all withmodesty.“These virtues are totally compatiblewith pride, ambition and competitiveness.”20 MCC NEWSJULY 2008

COODABEENS’ COUNTDOWNTO BROWNLOW NIGHTFor the third year in succession, the hilarious CoodabeenChampions are back to entertain as hosts of this year’sBrownlow Dinner in the Members Dining Room.After sell-out performances in 2006 and 2007, memberswill need to move quickly to ensure they have a seat at oneof the hottest events of Grand Final week on MondaySeptember 22.Enjoy a three-course dinner with beverage service and a livetelecast of the Brownlow Medal count on the big screen whilethe Coodabeens’ unique brand of humour and someChampion songs keep you entertained for hours.Members are encouraged to book early to avoiddisappointment as demand is expected to be strong for thisfunction, and you’re reminded that guests are welcometo attend.Bookings will be taken on a first-in, best-dressed basis andwill open on Thursday July 24. Applications will be availableon the MCC website or by contacting Member and CustomerServices on (03) 9657 8888.WHAT Brownlow Dinner with the CoodabeensWHEN Monday September 22, 2008TIME 7.00pm for 7.30pmWHERE Members Dining RoomDRESS Jacket and TieCOST $100 (members), $115 (guests)MEMBERS’ DINNER –THE TRADITION CONTINUESAs the South Africans reach our shores in December to take on the Aussiesin a battle for world cricket supremacy, the tradition continues at theMembers’ Dinner on Friday December 12 in the Members Dining Room.This annual event, open to Full and Restricted members, always features awho’s who of prominent cricket personalities and this year’s line up will be noexception. Master of Ceremonies will be the incomparable Tony Charlton,who has compered this function since its inception in 1994.An impressive list of speakers at the Members’ Dinner includes suchluminaries as Sir Richard Hadlee, Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge, Kim Hughes,Wes Hall, Jeremy Coney, Mike Brearley, Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Healy, GrahamGooch and last year’s guest speaker, Rod Marsh. The fare includes canapés onarrival and a sumptuous three-course dinner with fine wines and beverages.WHAT MCC Members’ DinnerWHEN Friday December 12, 2008TIME 6.45pm for 7.30pmWHERE Members Dining RoomDRESS Black TieThe cost for this members-only eventhad not been finalised as we went toprint. Please mark your diaries.Members will be advised as to whenbookings will open.JULY 2008 MCC NEWS21

MEMBERS’ NEWSNEW MCC WEBSITEMembers visiting the club’swebsite (www.mcc.org.au)will notice a marked change toits appearance and function, followingthe launch of the new site in June.With increased functionality for usersand a broader range of informationabout the club and its vast array ofactivities, we hope there is somethingthere for everybody.With an annual patronage of morethan 300,000 visitors, the MCC websitehas become a popular source ofinformation and interactivity formembers, waiting list candidates andother stakeholders. We hope theseimprovements enhance that capability.“The new design is more user-friendly,easier to navigate and should helpmembers achieve a greater understandingof how the club operates and how toutilise their membership,”said communicationsmanager Shane Brown.“While it may take a littletime for members to adjust tothe new layout, we ask forpatience as users becomefamiliar with the alterations.”Created by the club’s digitalcommunications partner Next Digital,the website also profiles the club’s historyand explains how members can utilise theMCG’s facilities – both on event day andduring the week. Further enhancementsare planned during a second phase ofworks later in the year.DO YOU HAVE AN EMAILADDRESS?The club sends regular updates on events,functions and other club news via email.If you have an email address and wouldlike to receive updates in future, registervia the website (see right for details) andadd the correct email address to oursystem.LOGIN AREAFOR MEMBERSA key feature of the website is itsability to provide members with asecure area to conduct a number oftheir personal membership activities.This added security also improvesthe operational efficiency for ourMember and Customer Services team,enabling us to better serve ourmembers.FIRST-TIME USERSThe first time you wish to accessmember-specific pages of the websiteto book into the Members DiningRoom, apply for Long Room andBalcony passes or change personaldetails, you will need to use your sixdigitmembership card number and avalid email address to create anaccount on the website.Creating your account will involvegenerating your own password.Members should retain this passwordsecurely and use it upon returning tothese member-specific pages in future.You will not need to login to accessthe remaining areas of the website.If you have any queries or problemswith creating your account, pleasering our Member and CustomerServices team on (03) 9657 8888 orcomplete the website feedback form.22 MCC NEWSJULY 2008

ALL ABOARD FORINDIA AND UK TOURSPlans are now in place for a numberof tours over the next 12 months,with cricket tours to India and theUK presenting some exciting opportunitiesfor members and guests.First up is a “Cricket and India” tour inlate-October 2008 to watch the third Testof what will be a pulsating Australia-Indiaseries at Delhi’s Feroz Shah KotlaStadium.Departing Australia on October 25,tourists will enjoy deluxe accommodationin Delhi and Agra, guided sightseeingtours (including Agra Fort and thespectacular Taj Mahal) and tickets to allfive days of the Test match. There willalso be an option to stay on in Mumbai atthe conclusion of the tour on November 3.Next year, the club will be sending twomembers’ groups to the UK to supportRicky Ponting’s men in their bid to atonefor their surprise Ashes defeat on their lastvisit to English soil in 2005.The first is a “History and Cricket”tour from July 1-24, 2009. This trip of alifetime will include a visit to Gallipoli,Istanbul, Paris and the battlefields ofFrance. Top that off with a week inLondon, tickets to the Lord’s Test and anMCC-hosted dinner to wind up the tour,also at Lord’s.The second group is the “CricketLovers” tour from July 5-24. The journeywill incorporate attendance at the Firstand Second Tests of the Ashes series atCardiff’s Sophia Gardens and Lord’s, aswell as acelebritydinner inCardiff hostedby formerAustralian Test bowlers Andy Bichel andMichael Kasprowicz. Between Tests, thegroup will visit the Cotswolds in style.At the time of publication, places on the“Cricket and India” tour were stillavailable, but it is likely that the UK tourswill be oversubscribed. To find out more,including costs and an itinerary, pleasecontact the Member and CustomerServices team on (03) 9657 8888 or emailmembership@mcc.org.au.YOUNG MEMBERS’SYDNEY TOURA Young Members tour of Sydney overthe Australia Day long weekend is on thedrawing board. A highlight will beattendance at the Australia v South Africaone-day international at the SCG onJanuary 23. Please keep an eye on thewebsite and your email for details over thecoming months.MCG TO HOST INTERNATIONAL RULESAs we went to print, the clubreceived confirmation fromthe AFL that the MCG wouldhost an International Rules matchbetween Australia and Ireland on FridayOctober 31.The series, which will also see a gamein Perth on October 24, should be aripper after the controversies thatemerged from the most recent seriesbetween the teams two years ago.The MCG match will be held exactlyfive years to the day since the ‘G lasthosted the hybrid code of football, when60,235 people saw the Irish creep homeby three points.MCC members will have normalaccess to their Reserve for this event,provided they have paid their membershipfees for the 2008/09 season. Detailsregarding visitor tickets, dining room,Long Room and Balcony passes andother arrangements will be displayed onthe club website and distributed viaemail in the weeks ahead.2008/09 MEMBER INTAKEAt its meeting on June 17, 2008 the MCC committee elected to Fullmembership candidates on the waiting list nominated from February 1, 1988to April 30, 1988.Waiting list candidates nominated from October 1, 1994 to October 31, 1994inclusive will be offered Restricted membership, while those nominated prior toOctober 1, 1994 who turn 15 years of age prior to September 1, 2008 will beoffered Restricted Junior membership.The latter candidates were previously eligible for membership based on theirnomination date but were too young under the club rules to be offered RestrictedJunior membership at the time.In accordance with the club rules, the names and addresses of these candidateswill be available for perusal at the Gate 2 Membership Services office on matchdays and during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm).Candidates wishing to advise address changes are asked to do so through thewebsite (www.mcc.org.au), or by fax or mail.JULY 2008 MCC NEWS23

MEMBERS’ NEWSYOUR 2008 AFL FINALS ARRANGEMENTSMembers should note that pre-purchasedreserved seats are for members only andare not available to daily visitor ticketholders or annual guest cardholders.Long Room and Balcony PassesDepending on the likely popularity ofmatches, the club may release someLong Room and Balcony passes forsome finals matches if we believe thesemember-only areas could comfortablyaccommodate some members’ guests.Grand FinalThe Members Reserve’s capacity ofabout 23,000 will be available for the2008 AFL Grand Final and Full membersare strongly encouraged to support thematch. Full members should check detailsof seating arrangements and the reservedseat ballot in the information sheetaccompanying their recent renewal noticemailing. Please note that Full membersmay register for the ballot online.While Restricted members normallyMEMBERSHIPRENEWALSThere are still a number ofcandidates or existingmembers who have yet totake up or renew their membershipfor the 2007/08 season. Finalreminder notices have been issued,advising they have until August 31,2008 to make payment or beremoved from the membership list.Existing financial members for the2007/08 season should already havereceived their renewal notice for thecoming season, which commences onSeptember 1, 2008.Payment of subscription renewalsare due from September 1, 2008 andthose wishing to attend AFL finalsmatches must pay their subscriptionat least two business days in advancefor their membership card to be validat the turnstiles.are ineligible to attend the Grand Final,if the Reserve appears likely to be at lessthan capacity a limited number of entrytickets may be sold either in the weekleading up to the Grand Final or on themorning of the match.There will be a split of approximately55 per cent reserved seats and 45 percent walk-up seats for the Grand Final,with about 12,000 pre-purchasedreserved seats set aside for successfulapplicants in a random computer ballot.The seats remaining are for walk-upmembers on the big day when gatesopen at 8.00am.Early FinalsThe Reserve will operate as per the homeand away season during the first threeweeks of the AFL finals series, with themajority of the Reserve’s seatingavailable on a walk-up basis. However,this year members will have the ability topre-purchase reserved seats and avoid thequeues with the knowledge that they willhave a seat in a prime location no matterwhat time they arrive.Reserved SeatsAs was the case with Category A matchesduring the home and away season,approximately 4000 reserved seats onLevels 1 and 4 will be made available formembers to pre-purchase for matches inthe first three weeks of the AFL finals.These reserved seats will go on sale tomembers at 9.00am on the Mondaypreceding the weekend’s game/s.Visitor TicketsThe number of visitor tickets availablefor early finals will depend on the likelypopularity of each game. Up to four permember may be available. Visitor ticketprices had not been finalised at the timeof publication.Tickets will go on sale on the Mondaypreceding the weekend’s game/s and willbe available from the Membership ServicesOffice (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri), throughTicketmaster or, subject to availability, atthe members’ entrance on match days.DiningThe Members Dining Room will beavailable for members during the finalsseries, although there will be a ballot forspaces for all finals matches.Registrations for the ballot will be takenvia the website (www.mcc.org.au) orphone (9284 2300) from 9.00am to5.00pm on the Monday preceding theparticular match/es.At the latest, members will be advisedof the ballot outcome by the close ofbusiness on the Wednesday before thematch. Members are only entitled to oneregistration in the ballot. Duplicateregistrations will be excluded.A reserved seat on Level 2 is part ofthe Members Dining Room packageduring the early finals but this does notapply for the Grand Final. All otherMembers Dining Room conditions thatexisted during the home and awayseason will apply during the finals.Please keep an eye on the club’scommunication mediums as the finalsdraw near to receive the latestinformation about the finals matches.MCC CONTACTSMail: PO Box 175, East Melbourne, 8002 Telephone: (03) 9657 8888 Fax: (03) 9650 5682Country and interstate: 1300 367 622 (local call fee only) Email: membership@mcc.org.au Web: www.mcc.org.au24 MCC NEWS JULY 2008